Potable water supplied through the municipal system or borehole is not always contaminant-free. The water can have minerals and chemicals percolating at the source. Moreover, many things can infiltrate the water before it reaches your main line, from debris, microorganisms, heavy metals, and sewage. A whole-house water filter installation improves potable water quality and safeguards against contamination.
Here is a detailed explanation of the water filter installation and expected costs. Go to:
- Whole House Water Filter Installation Process
- Step 1: Determine the Type of Treatment Your Water Needs
- Step 2: Prepare the Tools You Need
- Step 3: Choose Where to Install the Whole-house Filter
- Step 4: Shut Off Water Supply
- Step 5: Clean the Installation Area
- Step 6: Drain Water From the Pipe
- Step 7: Install the Water Filter
- Step 8: Install Other Components
- Step 9: Test the System
- Types of Water Filtration Systems
- Hire Professional Plumbers for Whole House Water Filter Installation
Whole House Water Filter Installation Process
Step 1: Determine the Type of Treatment Your Water Needs
Not all filtration systems are suitable for potable water. Plumbers recommend filtration systems on a need basis. If your source of potable water is the municipal system, chances are your local plumber already knows the water profile.
For properties sourcing portable water from wells, the plumber will test the water profile to identify the mineral profile, debris or soil, and chemical and microorganism infiltration, recommending a filtration system ideal for your house.
Step 2: Prepare the Tools You Need
Assemble all the tools you will require to install the whole-house filter. Having every tool and gadget maximizes installation efficiency. You will need:
Standard Tools
- Wrenches for tightening or loosening fittings
- Pipe cutter to trim pipes where necessary
- Teflon tape for sealing pipe threads
- Screwdriver to secure mounting brackets
- Drill to create pilot holes where required
- Level to ensure proper installation of the system
- Pliers to grip and bend pipes
- Bucket to contain dripping water during the installation process
You may also require the following tools depending on your system:
- Soldering equipment if your system has copper pipes
- Pipe threader to secure leak-proof connections
Plumbing Supplies
- A filter system that is specific to your potable water issues
- U brackets to secure the filter unit
- Fittings that connect the filter to your plumbing system
- Tubing – depending on your system’s requirements
- Shut-off valves facilitate filter system isolation during maintenance
- Bypass valves for water flow maintenance during filter changes
- Pressure gauges to monitor water pressure
Step 3: Choose Where to Install the Whole-house Filter
A whole-house filter ensures the entire house receives filtered water. So, you want to choose a location close to where the main water line feeds into your property for optimal filtration. Ensure your chosen location is accessible for easy installation and future maintenance and rehabilitation.
Step 4: Shut Off Water Supply
Once you choose a location, shut down your main water line supply. Working on live water can damage your water line and cause leaks. It also creates pressure variations in the pipe, interfering with water flow and increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
Step 5: Clean the Installation Area
Once the main valve is off, sand down the pipe area chosen for the filter installation. Dirt or debris may interfere with the soldering process, creating faulty joints between the water line and the filter system.
Step 6: Drain Water From the Pipe
If your portable system has a drain valve, turn it on to clear all the water inside the line. If you don’t have this valve, cut the cleaned part of the pipe and drain the water in a bucket.
Step 7: Install the Water Filter
Your filter system comes with a manual provided by the manufacturer. Follow the installation instructions provided carefully. Take your time to minimize mistakes.
For general instructions:
- Use the U brackets to mount the filter system on the wall or drill a plank wood to the wall securing it with screws using a screwdriver to create a base for mounting the pre-filter bracket.
- Once done, cut a section of the pipe using your pipe cutter and sand it down.
- Insert the threaded ends of the fittings into the filter’s outer part.
- Next, use your Teflon tape to secure the threads and prevent leaking.
If you have copper pipes, ensure that the pipe is soldered away from the filter’s plastic outer part to prevent melting. Fitting with copper pipes will require plenty of soldering to optimize sealing.
Step 8: Install Other Components
You can install a shut-off valve before the filter, essential for maintaining the system. Some plumbers include a valve that enables water to bypass the filter directly into your house whenever necessary.
Step 9: Test the System
Test the filter system to ascertain the quality of your work. Turn on the main line valve to allow water into your portable plumbing system. Check the joints to ensure there are no leaks.
Assess the integrity of the pipes for cracks or other structural issues. Taste your water to confirm that the filter system is purifying it. Use the filter system’s pressure gauge to ensure the pressure is constant. Once you are satisfied with the results, your work is complete.
Types of Water Filtration Systems
Whole-house water filtration systems are unique and have varying components. Here is a snippet of some of them:
- Borehole filter system: Contains a spin-down filter to remove dirt and debris
- Salt filter: For areas with alkaline salts dissolved in water
- Acid filter: Ideal for acidic water
- Ultraviolet UV light filter: Kills bacteria
All these filters must be incorporated and tested in the installation process. Some filters contain activated charcoal, which attracts impurities in water. The charcoal has charges that attract particulate matter in water without interfering with the neutral water molecules.
Hire Professional Plumbers for Whole House Water Filter Installation
Installing a whole-house water filter is a complex process that requires a certain level of plumbing expertise. You may not know the type of system your house needs, the exact pipe measurements, trimming, or the perfect place to install your system.
Next Level Plumbing Services provides quality whole-house water filter installation and maintenance solutions. There is no need to work through extensive and complicated manuals. Let us handle all the complexities on your behalf. Call us at 650-532-4866 for a tailored solution.
